'What we are launching at Crewe is a global proposition with enormous potential for the future of our visitor economy.

'Crewe is a logical place to launch our scheme, and the intention is that when you come back in a year or so from now, you will arrive at Crewe to see evidence of how the station has worked with us to develop the concept and boost the local economy.'

The gardens project will be managed by a steering group chaired by former BBC North West correspondent Felicity Goodey, who led the project to develop the Lowry Theatre and gallery complex at Salford Quays near Manchester.

She said: 'This is about much more than one year.

'By promoting, developing and sharing this rich and cultural garden heritage, Cheshire looks forward to welcoming many more visitors from out-side the county and in the process create real economic benefits for the people of Cheshire and the North West as a whole.'

Former Crewe and Nantwich mayor Steve Roberts, who works at the station, said he looked forward to seeing Crewe bloom in the coming years.

'We've led the way because we've had a lot of flowers at the station for quite some time, and they've really picked the place up.

'Hopefully we can encourage people to become a bit more green-fingered and to make the most of what Crewe has to offer as well.'